Exhaled Breath Detection Apparatus, Calibration Information Generation Apparatus, and Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Medium

The contents of the following patent application(s) are incorporated herein by reference:

No.2024-192339 filed in JP on October 31, 2024 and

No. 2025-159365 filed in JP on September 25, 2025.

The present invention relates to an exhaled breath detection apparatus, a calibration information generation apparatus, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

1 46 Patent documentdiscloses a method for evaluating blood concentration that is “based on measurement of both alcohol and carbon dioxide concentrations in exhaled breath that has flowed out from a subject's mouth and has been diluted by ambient air” (paragraph).

2 30 Patent Documentdiscloses an exhaled breath collection method in which “a mouthpiece, previously considered essential for exhaled breath collection apparatuses, is no longer required” (paragraph).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7827087

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5502269

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to a solution of the invention.

1 FIG. 200 100 200 200 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mobile bodyequipped with an exhaled breath detection apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile bodyis, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto. The mobile bodymay be a ground mobile body such as a vehicle which moves on the ground, may be an airborne mobile body such as a flying object which flies through air, may be a waterborne mobile body such as a vessel which moves on the water, may be an underwater mobile body such as a submersible which moves underwater, or may be a mobile body which moves in another location.

200 240 200 240 240 200 240 210 200 210 210 250 260 250 260 240 210 250 260 The mobile bodyincludes an operator’s cabinfor boarding by an operator who operates the mobile body. The operator’s cabinmay include a space for boarding by a passenger other than an operator. The operator’s cabinis, for example, a space in which equipment for operation of the mobile body, such as a steering wheel in an automobile, is installed. The operator’s cabinin the present example is a space surrounded by a mobile body housingof the mobile body. The mobile body housingincludes, for example, a body portion of an automobile. The mobile body housingmay include at least one of one or more windowsor one or more doors. The windowand the doormay be openable and closable between the operator’s cabinand an exterior space. The mobile body housingmay include, in addition to the windowand the door, a portion which is openable and closable.

100 240 200 100 240 100 240 100 100 100 200 200 100 The exhaled breath detection apparatusdetects alcohol contained in exhaled breath in the operator’s cabinof the mobile body. The exhaled breath detection apparatusdetects alcohol contained in exhaled breath of an operator by measuring air in the operator’s cabin. A part or a whole of the exhaled breath detection apparatusis provided in the operator’s cabin. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay detect a concentration of alcohol (ppm). The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay determine whether or not a detected concentration of alcohol is within an allowable range. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay prohibit an operator from operating the mobile bodywhen a detected concentration of alcohol exceeds an allowable range, may restrict speed and movement range of the mobile body, or may restrict human operation and switch to an autonomous driving mode. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay estimate a blood alcohol concentration of an operator based on an alcohol concentration contained in detected exhaled breath.

100 100 200 100 200 If a detected concentration of alcohol exceeds an allowable range, the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay present an alert including this information to an operator, may record the detected alcohol concentration, time, the operator, and a location, and may present a notification to the operator indicating that a concentration of alcohol is to be remeasured. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay acquire location information of the mobile bodyand may change an allowable range of an alcohol concentration based on the acquired location information. For example, in Japan, an alcohol concentration in exhaled breath of 0.15 mg/L or higher is considered driving under the influence, whereas in Germany, an alcohol concentration in exhaled breath of 0.25 mg/L or higher constitutes a legal violation, therefore, the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay change an allowable range of an alcohol concentration based on location information of the mobile body.

200 220 230 220 200 220 220 100 220 220 220 100 The mobile bodyin the present example includes a power unitand an electric power storage unit. The power unitgenerates power to move the mobile body. The power unitmay be, for example, an internal combustion engine such as an engine, which generates power by combusting fuel. The power unitmay be, for example, an electric motor such as a motor, which rotates according to electric power. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay cause power generation by the power unitto be stopped when a detected concentration of alcohol exceeds an allowable range. When the power unitis an electric motor such as a motor, the power unitmay include a fuel cell as an electric power source, and the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay stop operation of the fuel cell when a detected concentration of alcohol exceeds an allowable range.

230 200 230 220 100 240 100 230 The electric power storage unitstores electric power and supplies electric power to equipment of the mobile body. The electric power storage unitmay supply electric power to the power unit, may supply electric power to the exhaled breath detection apparatus, or may supply electric power to other equipment such as an air conditioner that adjusts a temperature in the operator’s cabinand a display unit that displays information, or the like. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay cause electric power supply from the electric power storage unitto be stopped when a detected concentration of alcohol exceeds an allowable range.

2 FIG. 100 100 110 140 150 100 102 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the exhaled breath detection apparatus. The exhaled breath detection apparatusincludes a component detection unit, a calibration information generation unit, and a result correction unit. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay further include an intake port.

110 110 The component detection unitobtains, through detection, detection information indicating a concentration of alcohol and a concentration of carbon dioxide contained in exhaled breath. The component detection unitmay obtain, through detection, detection information indicating a concentration of alcohol and detection information indicating a concentration of carbon dioxide. Each piece of detection information is a signal whose value varies according to a magnitude of a concentration of each target component (alcohol and carbon dioxide in the present example) contained in exhaled breath. For example, detection information is a signal whose value corresponds to intensity of light that has passed through gas containing exhaled breath, at wavelengths corresponding to each target component. The intensity of the light is attenuated according to concentration of each target component contained in exhaled breath. Detection information may be a signal obtained by converting the signal of the light into an electric signal, or may be a signal obtained by performing predetermined signal processing on the electric signal. Detection information may include concentration values themselves for each target component.

110 100 110 100 100 110 110 100 100 In the present example, an apparatus having the component detection unitwhich obtains, through detection, detection information indicating a concentration of alcohol and a concentration of carbon dioxide contained in exhaled breath is described as the exhaled breath detection apparatuswhich detects alcohol contained in exhaled breath. In another example, the component detection unitmay be configured to obtain, through detection, detection information indicating a concentration of alcohol and a concentration of oxygen. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay, in calculating a degree of dilution, use a concentration of oxygen in place of a concentration of carbon dioxide as in respective example embodiments described in the present specification. In this case, carbon dioxide in the present specification may be read as oxygen. For example, the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay assume that an average oxygen concentration in atmosphere is 21%, perform calibration based on this average oxygen concentration, and calculate a dilution rate of exhaled breath based on a calibrated concentration of oxygen. In yet another example, the component detection unitmay obtain, through detection, detection information indicating a concentration of alcohol, a concentration of carbon dioxide, and a concentration of oxygen contained in exhaled breath. In this case, the component detection unitincludes an alcohol concentration measurement unit, a carbon dioxide concentration measurement unit, and an oxygen concentration measurement unit. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay calculate a degree of dilution of exhaled breath based on a first degree of dilution calculated based on a concentration of carbon dioxide and a second degree of dilution calculated based on a concentration of oxygen. For example, the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay treat an average value of the first degree of dilution and the second degree of dilution as a degree of dilution of exhaled breath. By combining carbon dioxide concentration measurement and oxygen concentration measurement, a more accurate dilution rate of exhaled breath can be calculated.

110 120 130 120 240 110 102 120 The component detection unitin the present example includes a carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand an alcohol concentration measurement unit. The carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitoutputs detection information corresponding to a concentration of carbon dioxide (ppm) contained in the air in the operator’s cabinwhich is introduced into the component detection unitvia the intake port. The carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitis, for example, a photoacoustic type sensor, a solid electrolyte type sensor, or a non-dispersive infrared absorption (NDIR) type sensor.

130 240 110 102 130 The alcohol concentration measurement unitoutputs detection information corresponding to a concentration of alcohol (ppm) contained in the air in the operator’s cabinwhich is introduced into the component detection unitvia the intake port. The alcohol concentration measurement unitmay be, for example, an electrochemical (fuel cell) type sensor or may be a non-dispersive infrared absorption (NDIR) type sensor. An electrochemical type sensor detects, for example, an electric current generated by alcohol contained in air.

140 110 The calibration information generation unitgenerates calibration information for calibrating a concentration of carbon dioxide based on detection information of carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections by the component detection unit. Calibration information is information for converting a value of each piece of detection information into a concentration of each target component. Calibration information may be a calibration curve which indicates a relationship between a value of detection information and a concentration of a target component. When detection information includes concentration values themselves for each target component, calibration information may be information for correcting the concentration values in the detection information. In the present specification, a concentration calculated from a value of detection information by using calibration information may be referred to as a “calibrated concentration.”

For example, calibration information may include a gain value which is multiplied by a value of detection information to calculate a calibrated concentration, may include a function which calculates a calibrated concentration using a value of detection information as a variable, or may include a table in which a value of detection information is associated with a calibrated concentration.

140 100 140 110 An initial value of calibration information may be preset in the calibration information generation unit. The initial value of the calibration information may be set by a manufacturer, a user, or the like of the exhaled breath detection apparatus. The calibration information generation unitmay update calibration information based on detection information of carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections by the component detection unit. In the present specification, updating of calibration information may be referred to as generation of calibration information.

120 140 Measurement accuracy of the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitmay change over time. For example, in an NDIR type sensor, changes over time in characteristics of a light source, a light-guiding unit, or a light-receiving element may cause a deviation in a value of detection information generated by the light-receiving element, even when carbon dioxide of a same concentration is measured. As a result, a deviation may be caused in a calibrated concentration obtained through calibration even when carbon dioxide of the same concentration is measured. The calibration information generation unitgenerates or updates calibration information so that a deviation in a calibrated concentration obtained through calibration remains small, even when a value of detection information for carbon dioxide of the same concentration changes over time.

100 100 If a difference between calibrated concentrations for predetermined detection information before and after updating calibration information exceeds a reference value, the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay perform exception processing because there is a possibility that the exhaled breath detection apparatusis not operating normally. The reference value may be 500 ppm, may be 100 ppm, or may be any other value. The exception processing may be correction of calibration information so that the difference becomes equal to or less than a reference value, may be reacquisition of calibration information, or may be notifying an operator of an abnormal state.

140 140 140 The calibration information generation unitmay extract, from among detection information of carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections, the detection information whose corresponding concentration is the lowest. In the present specification, a relative magnitude relationship between corresponding concentrations may be described as a relative magnitude relationship between detection information. For example, among a plurality of pieces of detection information, detection information whose corresponding concentration is the lowest may be referred to as minimum detection information. The calibration information generation unitmay adjust the aforementioned calibration information so that the minimum detection information is converted into a preset reference concentration. Adjusting calibration information may be adjusting the aforementioned gain value, may be adjusting each coefficient of a function, or may be updating a table. For example, the calibration information generation unitmay calculate the gain value by dividing a reference concentration by a concentration corresponding to the minimum detection information. For example, the reference concentration may be equivalent to an average carbon dioxide concentration in outside air. The reference concentration may be 400 ppm or may be other value.

140 100 The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using a plurality of pieces of detection information measured within a most recent reference period among previously measured detection information. The reference period may be preset by a manufacturer or a user of the exhaled breath detection apparatus. The reference period may be one week or longer, may be 2 weeks or longer, or may be one month or longer. The reference period may be equal to or shorter than 6 months, or may be equal to or shorter than 2 months.

240 240 A carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinfluctuates due to exhaled breath of an operator or a passenger. Meanwhile, a carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinis never lower than a carbon dioxide concentration in outside air. Accordingly, it can be estimated that detection information having smaller values resulted from measurements taken in a state closer to a carbon dioxide concentration in outside air. Therefore, by adjusting calibration information so that detection information with a minimum value among a plurality of pieces of detection information is converted into a reference concentration, calibration information with relatively high accuracy can be generated.

140 A number of a plurality of pieces of detection information used to generate calibration information may be 10 or more, may be 100 or more, or may be 1000 or more. A method for generating calibration information is not limited to this method. The calibration information generation unitmay use a statistical value obtained from a plurality of pieces of detection information, selected in ascending order of their values, from among the plurality of pieces of detection information. The statistical value refers to information obtained by performing statistical processing on a plurality of pieces of detection information, or the statistical processing may be generating at least one of an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a variance, a moment, or a histogram.

150 150 The result correction unitcorrects a detection result of alcohol based on a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide obtained through calibration with calibration information. The detection result of alcohol is, for example, a concentration of alcohol. The result correction unitcorrects a concentration of alcohol in a measurement target with a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide measured concurrently with the concentration of the alcohol.

150 110 110 100 For example, the result correction unitcalculates a degree of dilution of air which has reached the component detection unit, based on a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide. A degree of dilution is an index indicating how much exhaled breath of an operator has been diluted until it reaches the component detection unitfrom an operator. A degree of dilution may be a value obtained by dividing a preset standard concentration of carbon dioxide by a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide. For the standard concentration of carbon dioxide, an average value of concentrations of carbon dioxide contained in exhaled breath of adults may be used, or it may be a value actually measured from an exhaled breath of an operator. The standard concentration of carbon dioxide is, for example, a value in a range from 1% to 9%. The standard concentration of carbon dioxide may be, for example, 3%. The standard concentration of carbon dioxide may be set by a manufacturer or a user of the exhaled breath detection apparatus. For example, when the standard concentration of carbon dioxide is 3% and a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide is 1000 ppm, a degree of dilution may be 30.

150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 The result correction unitmay calculate a corrected concentration of alcohol by multiplying the concentration of alcohol by the aforementioned degree of dilution. For example, when a degree of dilution is calculated astimes based on a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide, the result correction unitmay calculate a corrected concentration of alcohol by multiplying the concentration of alcohol by. In this way, a concentration of alcohol contained in exhaled breath of an operator can be estimated. In another example, the result correction unitmay correct a threshold concentration for comparison with a concentration of alcohol, based on a degree of dilution. For example, when a degree of dilution istimes, the result correction unitmay correct a detection result of alcohol by dividing the threshold concentration by.

100 110 110 100 240 110 The exhaled breath detection apparatusin the present example calculates a degree of dilution of air measured by the component detection unitrelative to exhaled breath of an operator based on a carbon dioxide concentration, and corrects a detection result of alcohol. As such, exhaled breath of an operator may not be directly blown into the component detection unit. The exhaled breath detection apparatusin the present example can measure an alcohol concentration of an operator even in a state where the operator has no intention of measuring the alcohol concentration. Then, since calibration information for a carbon dioxide concentration is generated based on carbon dioxide concentrations (detection information in the present example) obtained through multiple measurements inside the operator’s cabin, changes over time in characteristics of the component detection unitcan be corrected, enabling a degree of dilution to be calculated with high accuracy and an alcohol concentration to be measured with high accuracy.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 240 110 shows an example of temporal variation of a carbon dioxide concentration inside the operator’s cabin. The carbon dioxide concentration in, is measured by the component detection unit. Furthermore, a carbon dioxide concentration in outside air is defined as Da.

240 240 1 240 When a sufficient amount of time elapses after an operator or the like leaves the operator’s cabin, the carbon dioxide concentration inside the operator’s cabinbecomes approximately equal to the outside air concentration Da. At time Tin this state, when an operator enters the operator’s cabin, the carbon dioxide concentration gradually increases due to exhaled breath of the operator or the like.

T2 110 240 T2 110 T2 T1. 110 240 T2 T1 T2 120 130 T2. At time, the component detection unitis started and enters a state capable of measuring the carbon dioxide concentration inside the operator’s cabin. The timemay be a time when electric power supply to the component detection unitis started. The timemay be simultaneous with the timeFurthermore, if the component detection unitcan be started by remote operation or the like without an operator entering the operator’s cabin, the timemay be earlier than the time. At the time, it is sufficient that the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitis started, and the alcohol concentration measurement unitmay be started after the time

240 200 T2 220 200 T2. 200 220 T2. 220 200 110 110 T2 220 An operator who enters the operator’s cabinmay start up at least a portion of equipment of the mobile bodyat the time. The operator may start up the power unitof the mobile bodyat the timeIn this case, the mobile bodymay start supplying energy such as fuel or electric power to the power unitat the timeIn the present example, upon startup of the power unit, other equipment of the mobile body, such as the component detection unit, is started. In another example, the operator may start up the component detection unitat the timewithout starting up the power unit.

110 240 T2 110 P1. P1 110 110 120 The component detection unitmay detect a carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinwithin a preset period P1 starting at the time. In the present specification, obtaining detection information through detection may be treated as detecting a concentration. That is, when detecting a concentration is referred to in the present specification, it means detecting corresponding detection information. The component detection unitmay obtain a carbon dioxide concentration through multiple detections within the periodIn the present specification, a carbon dioxide concentration detected within the period P1 may be referred to as a startup-time concentration Ds. Further, in the present specification, detection information corresponding to the startup-time concentration is referred to as startup-time detection information. For example, the periodmay be within one minute, may be within 30 seconds, or may be within 10 seconds. The component detection unitmay, once it reaches a state where it can stably detect a carbon dioxide concentration, detect the startup-time concentration Ds. For example, the component detection unitmay detect the startup-time concentration Ds on condition that a temperature of the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitfalls within a predetermined set range.

110 220 110 140 P1. 140 140 140 P1, 140 140 The component detection unitmay detect the startup-time concentration Ds each time the power unitor the component detection unitis started. The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using the startup-time concentration Ds (or startup-time detection information) detected within the periodThe calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using a plurality of the startup-time concentrations Ds detected within a preset calibration target period. As described above, the calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information with the lowest startup-time concentration Ds from among the plurality of the startup-time concentrations Ds. Since the startup-time concentration Ds is presumed to be relatively close to the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da, calibration information can be generated with high accuracy by using the startup-time concentration Ds. The calibration information generation unitmay estimate the outside air concentration Da from changes over time in carbon dioxide concentrations obtained through multiple detections within the periodand may generate calibration information based on the estimated outside air concentration Da. For example, the calibration information generation unitmay estimate the outside air concentration Da, to which a carbon dioxide concentration converges, by approximating carbon dioxide concentrations obtained through multiple detections with a function of a preset order. The calibration information generation unitmay update calibration information so that a value of detection information corresponding to the estimated outside air concentration Da is converted into a reference concentration.

140 110 110 P1 140 P1 110 110 110 110 140 110 110 110 140 240 110 200 110 240 110 110 110 110 The calibration information generation unitmay select the startup-time concentration Ds (or startup-time detection information) to be used for generating calibration information, based on a temperature of the component detection unitat startup of the component detection unit. For example, for each of the periods, the calibration information generation unitmay use the startup-time concentration Ds, acquired during the period, for generating calibration information, on condition that a temperature of the component detection unitat startup is within a preset temperature range. In this way, influence of temperature variations in the component detection unitat a time of measuring the startup-time concentration Ds, as well as influence of temperature characteristics of the component detection unit, can be reduced. The temperature range may allow the component detection unitto detect the startup-time concentration Ds with high accuracy. The temperature range may be, for example, 10°C or higher and 30°C or lower. In another example, the calibration information generation unitmay correct each of the startup-time concentrations Ds based on a temperature of the component detection unitat a time when the startup-time concentration Ds was measured. A relationship between the startup-time concentration Ds and a temperature is determined according to characteristics of the component detection unit. The relationship may be measured in advance by a manufacturer, a user, or the like of the component detection unit. The calibration information generation unitmay use a temperature inside the operator’s cabinas a temperature of the component detection unit. The mobile bodymay be provided with a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the component detection unitor a temperature inside the operator’s cabin. Furthermore, the component detection unitmay include a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting a temperature of the component detection unit. For example, by maintaining a temperature of the component detection unitat 70°C, the temperature adjustment unit can reduce degradation in detection performance due to temperature characteristics or condensation of the component detection unit. The temperature adjustment unit may be a heater or a Peltier element, and may further include a thermometer or a control unit (for example, a microcontroller) for feedback control.

140 200 110 1 140 1 200 110 110 240 110 110 110 140 200 The calibration information generation unitmay select the startup-time concentration Ds (or startup-time detection information) to be used for generating calibration information, based on an external temperature of the mobile bodyat startup of the component detection unit. For example, for each of the periods P, the calibration information generation unitmay use the startup-time concentration Ds, acquired during the period P, for generating calibration information, on condition that an external temperature of the mobile bodyat startup of the component detection unitis within a preset temperature range. At startup of the component detection unit, it may be possible to estimate that the temperature in the operator’s cabinis approximately equal to an external temperature. Therefore, by using an external temperature in place of a temperature of the component detection unitin the aforementioned process, influence of variation in a temperature of the component detection unitat a time of measuring the startup-time concentration Ds can be reduced. The temperature range may allow the component detection unitto detect the startup-time concentration Ds with high accuracy. The temperature range may be, for example, 10°C or higher and 30°C or lower. In another example, the calibration information generation unitmay correct each of the startup-time concentrations Ds based on an external temperature at a time when the startup-time concentration Ds was measured. The mobile bodymay be provided with a temperature sensor which detects an external temperature.

140 110 110 200 240 240 240 T1 240 240 T1 110 T2, 240 240 140 P1, 110 110 The calibration information generation unitmay select the startup-time concentration Ds (or startup-time detection information) to be used for generating calibration information, based on a difference between a temperature of the component detection unitat startup of the component detection unitand an external temperature of the mobile body(referred to as an outside air temperature). When an operator or the like is in the operator’s cabin, the temperature in the operator’s cabinis adjusted by an air conditioner or the like to a temperature different from an outside air temperature. Meanwhile, when an operator or the like leaves the operator’s cabinbefore the timeand an air conditioner stops, the temperature in the operator’s cabingradually gets closer to an outside air temperature. Therefore, the longer the time between an operator or the like leaving the operator’s cabinbefore the timeand startup of equipment such as the component detection unitat the timethe closer the temperature in the operator’s cabingets to an outside air temperature, and the smaller the temperature difference becomes. Therefore, it can be estimated that the smaller the temperature difference, the closer the carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinis to the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da. The calibration information generation unitmay use the startup-time concentration Ds, acquired during the periodfor generating calibration information, on condition that a difference between a temperature of the component detection unitat startup of the component detection unitand an outside air temperature is equal to or smaller than a preset reference value.

140 200 110 P1 140 P1 200 110 110 240 200 110 Ds 140 200 The calibration information generation unitmay select the startup-time concentration Ds (or startup-time detection information) to be used for generating calibration information, based on an air pressure inside or outside the mobile bodyat startup of the component detection unit. For example, for each of the periods, the calibration information generation unitmay use the startup-time concentration Ds, acquired during the period, for generating calibration information, on condition that an air pressure inside or outside the mobile bodyat startup of the component detection unitis within a preset air pressure range. At startup of the component detection unit, it may be possible to estimate that an air pressure inside the operator’s cabinis approximately equal to an air pressure outside. Therefore, either an air pressure inside or outside the mobile bodymay be used. While a gas concentration to be measured does not fluctuate due to air pressure, a concentration indication value indicated by the component detection unitmay fluctuate due to a nature of a measurement mechanism. Therefore, by selecting the startup-time concentration(or startup-time detection information) on condition that air pressure is within a certain range, influence of variations in the air pressure at a time of measuring the startup-time concentration Ds can be reduced. The air pressure range may be within a ±2% range, may be within a ±1% range of standard atmospheric pressure, or may be within another range. In another example, the calibration information generation unitmay correct each of the startup-time concentrations Ds based on an air pressure at a time when the startup-time concentration Ds was measured. The mobile bodymay be provided with an air pressure sensor which detects an air pressure inside or outside it.

140 110 110 140 110 P1, 140 P1, 110 200 The calibration information generation unitmay select the startup-time concentration Ds (or startup-time detection information) to be used for generating calibration information, based on weather information regarding weather at startup of the component detection unit. Weather information may be acquired at startup of the component detection unit. The calibration information generation unitmay acquire weather information such as weather forecasts via a network such as the Internet. Weather information may be information indicating weather at the most recent time among information acquired at startup of the component detection unit. Weather information may be information indicating whether it is sunny or not sunny. Weather information may be information indicating at least any of sunny, rainy, or cloudy conditions. For example, for each of the periodsthe calibration information generation unitmay use the startup-time concentration Ds, acquired during the periodfor generating calibration information, on condition that weather information at startup of the component detection unitsatisfies a preset weather condition. The weather condition may be, for example, a “sunny” condition. Alternatively, the weather condition may be most typical weather at a current location of the mobile body. For example, in a location where a “cloudy” condition predominates throughout a year, the weather condition may be a “cloudy” condition. Since air pressure and humidity, which can be causes of variation in an indication value of a gas sensor, are correlated with weather, it is possible to improve accuracy of calibration information by limiting a weather condition.

240 240 200 250 250 240 240 3 FIG. A carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinmay decrease due to events such as ventilation. In the present example, the operator’s cabinof the mobile bodyincludes one or more windowswhich are openable and closable. In the example of, at a time T3, any one of the windowsis controlled to be in an open state, allowing air to flow between inside and outside of the operator’s cabin. In this case, a carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabingradually gets closer to the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da.

140 250 110 250 250 250 200 250 The calibration information generation unitacquires opening and closing information of the windowat a time when the component detection unitobtains detection information of carbon dioxide through detection, and, based on the opening and closing information, selects detection information of carbon dioxide to be used for generating calibration information. Opening and closing information may be acquired from the control unit which controls opening and closing of the window. When opening and closing of the windowis controlled by an electric signal, opening and closing information may be generated based on the electric signal. When opening and closing of the windowis manually controlled, the mobile bodymay include a position sensor which detects opening and closing information by detecting an edge position or the like of the window.

140 110 250 250 250 250 240 140 250 200 140 P2 T3 250 P2 110 P2 T3 P1 140 P2 For example, the calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by selecting detection information of carbon dioxide detected by the component detection unitin a state where an opening degree of the windowis equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The opening degree of the windowmay be a ratio of an opening area of the windowin a state for which the opening degree is to be calculated, to the opening area in a fully open state in which the windowconnects the operator’s cabinto the outside. Furthermore, the calibration information generation unitmay determine that the opening degree of the windowis equal to or greater than a predetermined value when an air conditioning system of the mobile bodyis set to an outside air intake mode instead of an interior air recirculation mode. The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by selecting a concentration of carbon dioxide (referred to as a post-window opening concentration Dw) measured after a predetermined periodhas elapsed since the timeat which the opening degree of the windowbecomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The longer the periodis, the closer the post-window opening concentration Dw gets to the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da. The component detection unitmay measure the post-window opening concentration Dw of carbon dioxide after the periodhas elapsed since the time. Similarly to the period, the calibration information generation unitmay estimate the outside air concentration Da from changes over time in carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections within the period, and may generate calibration information based on the estimated outside air concentration Da.

140 P2 250 P2 250 140 P2 200 T3. 140 P2 200 140 200 250 P2 The calibration information generation unitmay adjust a length of the periodbased on the opening degree of the window. For example, the periodmay be adjusted to be shorter as the opening degree of the windowis larger. The calibration information generation unitmay adjust the length of the periodbased on a moving speed of the mobile bodyat the timeThe calibration information generation unitmay adjust the periodto be shorter as the moving speed of the mobile bodyis faster. The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by selecting a carbon dioxide concentration measured in a state where the moving speed of the mobile bodyis equal to or greater than a set value and the opening degree of the windowis equal to or greater than a set value. The periodmay be one minute or longer, may be 2 minutes or longer, or may be 10 minutes or longer.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 250 4 220 T5 110 T2 T5 110 T2 T5 T6 240 240 In the example ofthe windowis closed at the time T, and carbon dioxide concentration gradually increases. In the example of, energy supply to the power unitis stopped at the time. The component detection unitmay detect a carbon dioxide concentration and an alcohol concentration at regular intervals between the timeand the time. The component detection unitmay detect a carbon dioxide concentration and an alcohol concentration at predetermined timings between the timeand the time. At time, an operator or the like leaves the operator’s cabin. As a result, a carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabingradually decreases.

220 200 230 220 110 230 140 220 200 230 In a case where the power unitis driven by electric power to generate power for moving the mobile body, the electric power storage unitmay be charged by a user or the like after the power unitis stopped. In this case, the component detection unitmay receive electric power from the electric power storage unitor a charging means, and detect a carbon dioxide concentration. The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using a stoppage-time concentration Dp (or stoppage-time detection information) of carbon dioxide concentration detected in a state where the power unitof the mobile bodyis stopped and the electric power storage unitis charged. In the present specification, detection information corresponding to the stoppage-time concentration is referred to as stoppage-time detection information.

140 P3 T5 140 P3 240 T5 240 T5 P3 P3 The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using the stoppage-time concentration Dp detected after a predetermined periodhas elapsed since the time. The calibration information generation unitmay adjust the periodaccording to a carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinat the time. For example, the higher the carbon dioxide concentration in the operator’s cabinat the time, the longer the periodmay be. The periodmay be an hour or longer or may be 2 hours or longer.

110 P3 110 P3 140 Dp 110 P3 1 140 P3 The component detection unitmay or may not detect a carbon dioxide concentration during the period. When the component detection unitperiodically detects a carbon dioxide concentration during the period, the calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using the stoppage-time concentrationafter a fluctuation amount of carbon dioxide concentration per unit time becomes equal to or less than a set value. When the component detection unitdoes not detect a carbon dioxide concentration during the period, power consumption can be reduced. Similarly to the period P, the calibration information generation unitmay estimate the outside air concentration Da from changes over time in carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections within the period, and may generate calibration information based on the estimated outside air concentration Da.

140 140 The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using one or more types of the startup-time concentration Ds, the post-window opening concentration Dw, and the stoppage-time concentration Dp. The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using the plurality of the startup-time concentrations Ds, may generate calibration information by using a plurality of the post-window opening concentrations Dw, and may generate calibration information by using a plurality of the stoppage-time concentrations Dp. Further, in the present specification, detection information corresponding to the stoppage-time concentration may be referred to as the stoppage-time detection information.

140 260 140 240 200 260 260 260 220 240 140 240 The calibration information generation unitmay acquire opening and closing history information indicating an opening and closing history of the door, and based on the opening and closing history information, may select detection information of carbon dioxide to be used for generating calibration information. The calibration information generation unitmay calculate a number of people present in the operator’s cabinat a time when a carbon dioxide concentration was detected, based on the opening and closing history information. For example, if the mobile bodyhas a plurality of seats, and the doorcorresponding to each seat is provided, the number of people can be estimated based on the opening and closing history information of each of the doors. For example, a number of the doorsopened and closed before and after startup of the power unitmay be regarded as the number of people who have entered the operator’s cabin. The calibration information generation unitmay generate calibration information by using a corresponding carbon dioxide concentration when the number of people is equal to or less than a reference value. The reference value may be, for example, one person. The greater the number of people who have entered the operator’s cabin, the more likely the startup-time concentration Ds becomes higher than the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da. By selecting a concentration of carbon dioxide for generating calibration information based on the opening and closing history information, the startup-time concentration Ds, which is close to the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da, can be extracted.

140 260 140 240 The calibration information generation unitmay use, in place of the opening and closing history information of the door, seat belt fastening and unfastening history information, seat occupancy sensor information, or millimeter-wave sensor information for each seat. The calibration information generation unitmay calculate the number of people present in the operator’s cabinbased on the seat belt fastening and unfastening history information, seat occupancy sensor information, or millimeter-wave sensor information for each seat.

140 200 110 140 200 200 200 200 200 200 The calibration information generation unitmay acquire location information of the mobile bodyat a time when the component detection unitobtains detection information of carbon dioxide through detection, and, based on the location information, may select detection information of carbon dioxide to be used for generating calibration information. For example, the calibration information generation unitmay select detection information of carbon dioxide obtained when the mobile bodywas present within a preset range. The set range may be, for example, a range in which it can be determined that the mobile bodyis parked at a residence of an operator. By generating calibration information from detection information selected based on location information of the mobile body, it is possible to eliminate influence of a location of the mobile bodyon a concentration of carbon dioxide, thereby generating calibration information. For example, a carbon dioxide concentration in an underground parking lot or the like may differ from the outside air carbon dioxide concentration Da. For example, since detection information of carbon dioxide concentration obtained when the mobile bodyis present at a certain location is used in the present example, fluctuations in a carbon dioxide concentration due to a location of the mobile bodycan be decreased, and thus, calibration information can be generated with high accuracy.

4 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 100 100 104 140 140 is a block diagram showing another example configuration of the exhaled breath detection apparatus. The exhaled breath detection apparatusin the present example further includes an air supply unit, in addition to the example shown in. Other structures are the same as those in the example of. The calibration information generation unitin the example of, generated calibration information from a plurality of pieces of detection information of carbon dioxide. The calibration information generation unitin the present example may generate calibration information from a piece of detection information of carbon dioxide or may generate calibration information from a plurality of pieces of detection information of carbon dioxide, as in the example of.

104 240 110 104 104 104 240 110 The air supply unitis operable in a first state and a second state different from the first state in at least one of an airflow rate or an airflow direction, which supplies air from the operator’s cabinto the component detection unit. An airflow rate in the present example is a flow rate of air per unit time. The air supply unitis, for example, a fan which moves air by rotating a blade member, but a structure of the air supply unitis not limited thereto. The air supply unitblows air from the operator’s cabinin a direction toward the component detection unitin at least one of the first state or the second state.

104 110 104 110 104 The air supply unitin the first state blows a smaller volume of air in a direction toward the component detection unitthan the air supply unitin the second state. A volume of air directed toward the component detection unitcan be adjusted by at least one of an airflow rate or an airflow direction of the air supply unit.

140 110 104 240 102 110 110 The calibration information generation unitgenerates calibration information based on detection information of carbon dioxide detected by the component detection unitwhen the air supply unitis in the first state. In the first state, air from the operator’s cabinis less likely to pass through the intake portand be detected by the component detection unitthan in the second state. Therefore, the component detection unitin the first state can measure a carbon dioxide concentration in a state where influence of exhaled breath of an operator or the like is reduced. Accordingly, by using detection information of carbon dioxide in the first state, calibration information can be generated with high accuracy.

150 110 104 104 240 102 110 2 FIG. The result correction unitcorrects a detection result of alcohol based on a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide obtained by calibrating, based on the calibration information, detection information of the carbon dioxide detected by the component detection unitwhen the air supply unitis in the second state. A method for correcting a detection result of alcohol based on a calibrated concentration of carbon dioxide is the same as in the example of, When the air supply unitis in the second state, air from the operator’s cabinis more likely to pass through the intake portand be detected by the component detection unit. This makes it easier to measure exhaled breath of an operator.

104 104 As in the present example, by generating calibration information from detection information of carbon dioxide when the air supply unitis in the first state, influence of an exhaled breath of an operator can be reduced, and thus calibration information can be generated with high accuracy. Furthermore, by determining a detection result of alcohol from detection information of carbon dioxide and alcohol when the air supply unitis in the second state, a detection result can be determined with high accuracy.

140 104 110 140 140 3 FIG. 3 FIG. The calibration information generation unitmay acquire state history information indicating which state the air supply unitwas in when the component detection unitobtained detection information of carbon dioxide through detection. The calibration information generation unitmay select detection information of carbon dioxide for generating calibration information based on the state history information. The calibration information generation unitmay select detection information of carbon dioxide for generating calibration information, further based on each condition described in. For example, in both the present example and the example described in, calibration information may be generated by extracting detection information of carbon dioxide that should be selected for generating calibration information.

140 104 3 FIG. 3 FIG. The calibration information generation unitmay control the air supply unitto be in the first state at a timing when detection information of carbon dioxide to be used for generating calibration information should be measured. This timing is the same as a detection timing at which detection information of carbon dioxide to be used for generating calibration information is detected, for example, in the example described in. By combining the present example and the example in, calibration information can be generated with higher accuracy.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 104 102 104 110 106 106 110 106 102 106 102 106 , is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of the air supply unit. In, the intake port, the air supply unit, the component detection unit, and a detection housingare illustrated. The detection housingis a box-shaped housing which accommodates the component detection unit. The detection housingis formed of, for example, resin, metal, or the like. The intake portis provided in the detection housing. The intake portis an opening through which air can flow between inside and outside of the detection housing.

104 102 104 106 104 102 110 104 240 102 110 The air supply unitis disposed opposite the intake port. The air supply unitmay be provided inside the detection housingor may be provided outside thereof. The air supply unitin the present example is provided between the intake portand the component detection unit. When the air supply unitis driven, it draws air from the operator’s cabinthrough the intake portand blows the air toward the component detection unit.

104 100 106 100 106 106 104 104 104 104 104 104 The air supply unitmay operate so that a volume of air drawn into the exhaled breath detection apparatus(or the detection housing) in the second state is greater than a volume of air drawn into the exhaled breath detection apparatus(or the detection housing) in the first state. The volume of air may be a volume per unit time (liters per second). A volume of air drawn into the detection housingcan be controlled by an airflow rate of the air supply unit. In the present example, an airflow rate (liters per second) of the air supply unitvaries between the first state and the second state. An airflow direction of the air supply unitmay or may not vary between the first state and the second state. In the present example, an airflow rate of the air supply unitin the first state is lower than an airflow rate of the air supply unitin the second state. An airflow rate in the first state may be half or less, may be one-fourth or less, of an airflow rate in the second state, or may be zero. An amount of rotation of a fan of the air supply unitin the first state may be less than an amount of rotation of the fan in the second state. The amount of rotation of the fan in the first state may be half or less, may be one-fourth or less, of the amount of rotation of the fan in the second state, or may be zero. The amount of rotation of the fan is a number of rotations per unit time.

6 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 104 104 104 104 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the air supply unit. Structures of the air supply unitor the like are the same as those in the example of. In the present example, an airflow direction of the air supply unitvaries between the first state and the second state. An airflow rate of the air supply unitmay not vary between the first state and the second state, or may vary as in the example of.

104 110 104 110 104 110 104 104 In the present example, a direction from the air supply unittoward the component detection unitis defined as a first direction. For example, the first direction may be defined as a direction from a center point of an air-blowing surface (a surface through which air passes) of the air supply unittoward a center point of a detection surface (a surface sensitive to carbon dioxide) of the component detection unit. A difference between the first direction from the air supply unittoward the component detection unitand an airflow direction (this difference is referred to as a directional difference in the present specification) is greater in the air supply unitin the first state than in the air supply unitin the second state.

104 104 104 104 6 FIG. An airflow direction refers to a direction in which the largest volume of air is blown from the air supply unit. For example, an airflow direction is parallel to a direction perpendicular to a rotating surface of the fan of the air supply unit. In the example of, a directional difference in the first state is 180 degrees, and a directional difference in the second state is 0 degrees. For example, in the first state and the second state, by rotating the fan of the air supply unitin a reverse direction, airflow directions in the first state and the second state can be reversed. The directional difference in the first state may be other than 180 degrees. The directional difference in the first state may be 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less. The directional difference in the second state may be other than 0 degrees. The directional difference in the second state may be 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. For example, the directional difference may be controlled by controlling a tilt of a rotation axis or the air-blowing surface of the air supply unit.

7 FIG. 4 FIG. 7 FIG. 100 100 100 104 200 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the exhaled breath detection apparatusillustrated in. In the example of, a part of operation of the exhaled breath detection apparatusis described. The exhaled breath detection apparatusmay perform each operation described in the present specification. The air supply unitin the present example transitions to the first state after startup of the mobile body, and transitions to the second state after the first state.

702 110 702 T2 110 200 3 FIG. In step S, the component detection unitis started. Processing in step Sis the same as processing at the timein. Startup of the component detection unitmay occur simultaneously with startup of the mobile body.

704 110 704 T2 104 140 P1 3 FIG. In step S, the component detection unitis initialized, and measurement becomes stable. In step S, from the timeuntil a set period elapses, the air supply unitand the calibration information generation unitmay remain in standby. This period is shorter than the perioddescribed in.

706 104 140 104 100 104 706 P1. In step S, the air supply unitis controlled to be in the first state. The calibration information generation unitmay control the state of the air supply unit, or the exhaled breath detection apparatusmay include the control unit which controls the state of the air supply unit. Processing in step Sis performed, for example, within the period

708 110 140 110 1 In step S, the component detection unitobtains detection information of carbon dioxide through detection, and the calibration information generation unitacquires the detection information. Processing in which the component detection unitobtains detection information of carbon dioxide through detection is performed, for example, within the period P.

710 140 708 710 708 140 In step S, the calibration information generation unitgenerates calibration information based on the detection information acquired in step S. In step S, when current detection information updates a minimum value among detection information acquired through multiple detections in step Swithin a past set period (that is, when the corresponding concentration updates the minimum value), the calibration information may be updated. If the current detection information does not update the minimum value, the calibration information generation unitmay use previously generated calibration information.

712 104 712 P1 P1 712 200 In step S, the air supply unitis controlled to be in the second state. Processing in step Smay be performed within the period, or may be performed after the periodhas elapsed. Step Smay be performed before movement of the mobile bodyis started.

714 110 714 P1 P1 714 200 In step S, the component detection unitobtains detection information of carbon dioxide and alcohol through detection. Processing in step Smay be performed within the period, or may be performed after the periodhas elapsed. Step Smay be performed before the movement of the mobile bodyis started.

716 150 716 P1 P1 716 200 In step S, the result correction unitcalculates a degree of dilution of exhaled breath of an operator based on detection information of carbon dioxide and calibration information. Processing in step Smay be performed within the period, or may be performed after the periodhas elapsed. Step Smay be performed before the movement of the mobile bodyis started.

718 150 150 718 1 1 718 200 In step S, the result correction unitcorrects an alcohol detection result. As described above, the result correction unitmay correct a concentration of alcohol derived from detection information of alcohol, based on a degree of dilution of exhaled breath. Processing in step Smay be performed within the period P, or may be performed after the period Phas elapsed. Step Smay be performed before the movement of the mobile bodyis started. By performing such processing, calibration information for a concentration of carbon dioxide can be generated with high accuracy. Furthermore, a detection result of alcohol can be corrected with high accuracy.

240 110 102 102 110 102 102 200 110 102 102 110 102 102 110 In each example described in the present specification, the operator’s cabinmay have a plurality of seats. When comparing distances between the component detection unit(or the intake portwhen the intake portis provided) and each seat, a distance between a seat provided with equipment for operation and the component detection unit(or the intake portwhen the intake portis provided) may be the shortest. The distance may be a distance to a top edge of the seat. The distance may be equal to or less than 1 m, or may be equal to or less than 50 cm. For example, in a case where the mobile bodyis an automobile, the component detection unit(or the intake portwhen the intake portis provided) may be disposed near an instrument panel or a steering wheel. By disposing the component detection unit(or the intake portwhen the intake portis provided) near the instrument panel or the steering wheel, exhaled breath of an operator can be efficiently drawn in, thereby enabling improved detection performance of the component detection unit.

A timing of acquiring detection information of carbon dioxide to be used for generating calibration information may be set by an operator or the like. Alternatively, it may be controlled by an application installed in a mobile terminal of an operator or the like.

8 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 1 7 FIGS.through 100 110 120 130 110 102 104 106 120 130 120 130 260 shows another example configuration of the exhaled breath detection apparatus. The component detection unitin the present example includes the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unit, which are disposed at different locations. The component detection unitin the present example is conceptually configured to include a plurality of structures disposed at different locations. In the present example, the intake port, the air supply unit(see), and the detection housing(see) may be provided respectively for the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unit. Other functions and structures are the same as those in any of the examples described in. As an example, one of the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitor the alcohol concentration measurement unitmay be provided on the door, and the other may be provided on equipment for operation such as a steering wheel.

9 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 9 FIG. 102 104 106 110 102 104 106 110 120 130 110 shows an example configuration of the intake port, the air supply unit, the detection housing, and the component detection unit. In the present example, the airflow rate in the first state is shown. Airflow rates in each state are the same as those in the examples ofor. Configurations of the intake port, the air supply unit, the detection housing, and the component detection unitin the present example are the same as those in the examples described inor. In, the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unitof the component detection unitare explicitly shown.

102 104 106 120 130 120 130 The intake port, the air supply unit, and the detection housingare commonly provided for the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unitin the present example. That is, the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unitin the present example measure air from a same location.

10 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 102 104 106 110 8 , shows another example configuration of the intake port, the air supply unit, the detection housing, and the component detection unit. The present example corresponds to the configuration in Fig.. In the present example as well, the airflow rate in the first state is shown. Airflow rates in each state are the same as those in the examples ofor.

102 104 106 120 130 120 130 The intake port, the air supply unit, and the detection housingare respectively provided for the carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unitin the present example. The carbon dioxide concentration measurement unitand the alcohol concentration measurement unitin the present example can measure air from different locations.

140 150 1 FIG. 10 FIG. The calibration information generation unitand the result correction unitdescribed inthroughmay be implemented by installing programs on one or more computers. These programs may be recorded on a computer-readable medium.

2 Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, where blocks may represent (1) stages of processes in which operations are executed or () sections of apparatuses responsible for executing operations. Certain stages and sections may be implemented by a dedicated circuit, a programmable circuit supplied together with computer-readable instructions stored on computer-readable media, and/or processors supplied together with computer-readable instructions stored on computer-readable media. The dedicated circuit may include digital and/or analog hardware circuits, and may include integrated circuits (IC) and/or discrete circuits. The programmable circuit may include a reconfigurable hardware circuit including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logical operations, a memory element or the like such as a flip-flop, a register, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a programmable logic array (PLA), or the like.

A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device that can store instructions to be executed by a suitable device, and as a result, the computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon includes a product including instructions that can be executed in order to create means for executing operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of the computer-readable medium may include an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, an electromagnetic storage medium, a semiconductor storage medium, or the like. More specific examples of the computer-readable medium may include a FLOPPY (registered trademark) disk, a diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a BLU-RAY (registered trademark) disk, a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, or the like.

The computer-readable instruction may include: an assembler instruction, an instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instruction; a machine instruction; a machine dependent instruction; a microcode; a firmware instruction; state-setting data; or either a source code or an object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as SMALLTALK (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, or the like, and a conventional procedural programming language such as a "C" programming language or a similar programming language.

The computer-readable instructions may be provided for a processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatuses such as a computer locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, or the like, and execute the computer-readable instructions in order to create means for executing the operations designated in flowcharts or block diagrams. Here, a computer may be a PC, or a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a workstation, a server computer, a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or the like, or may be a computer system in which a plurality of computers are connected to each other. Such computer system in which the plurality of computers are connected to each other is also called a distributed computing system, and is a computer in a broad sense. In the distributed computing system, the plurality of computers collectively execute the program by each of the plurality of computers executing a part of the program, and passing data during the execution of the program among the computers as needed.

Examples of the processor include a computer processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, or the like. The computer may include one processor or a plurality of processors. In a multiprocessor system including a plurality of processors, the plurality of processors collectively execute a program by each of the processors executing a part of the program, and passing data during the execution of the program among the processors as needed. For example, in execution of multiple tasks, each of the plurality of processors may execute a portion of each task pieces by pieces by performing task-switching for each time slice. In this case, which portion of one program each processor is responsible for executing dynamically changes. Moreover, which portion of the program each of the plurality of processor is responsible for executing may be determined statically by multiprocessor-aware programming.

11 FIG. 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1212 1200 shows an example of a computerin which a plurality of aspects of the present invention may be entirely or partially embodied. A program that is installed in the computermay cause the computerto function as operations associated with an apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention or one or more sections in the apparatus, or may cause the computerto execute the operation or the one or more sections, and/or may cause the computerto execute processes according to the embodiment of the present invention or stages of the processes. Such a program may be executed by a CPUin order to cause the computerto execute particular operations associated with some or all of the blocks of flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

1200 1212 1214 1216 1218 1210 1200 1222 1224 1226 1210 1220 1230 1242 1220 1240 The computeraccording to the present embodiment includes a CPU, a RAM, a graphics controller, and a display device, which are mutually connected by a host controller. The computeralso includes a communication interface, a storage devicesuch as a hard disk drive, input/output units such as a DVD-ROM driveand an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controllervia an input/output controller. The computer also includes legacy input/output units such as an ROMand a keyboard, which are connected to the input/output controllervia an input/output chip.

1212 1230 1214 1216 1212 1214 1218 The CPUoperates according to programs stored in the ROMand the RAM, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controlleracquires image data generated by the CPUon a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAMor in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on a display device.

1222 1224 1212 1200 1226 1227 1224 1214 The communication interfacecommunicates with other electronic devices via a network. The storage devicestores a program and data used by the CPUin the computer. The DVD-ROM drivereads a program or data from a DVD-ROMand provides the program or data to the storage devicevia the RAM. The IC card drive reads the programs and the data from the IC card, and/or writes the programs and the data to the IC card.

1230 1200 1200 1240 1220 The ROMstores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computerat the time of activation, and/or a program which depends on the hardware of the computer. The input/output chipmay also connect various input/output units to the input/output controllervia a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, or the like.

1227 1224 1214 1230 1212 1200 1200 Programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as the DVD-ROMor the IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, are installed in the storage device, the RAM, or the ROM, which are also an example of the computer-readable medium, and are executed by the CPU. Information processing written in these programs is read by the computer, and provides cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. A device or a method may be configured by realizing the operation or processing of information according to the use of the computer.

1200 1212 1214 1222 1212 1222 1214 1224 1227 For example, when communication is executed between the computerand an external device, the CPUmay execute a communication program loaded onto the RAMto instruct communication processing to the communication interface, based on the processing written in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU, the communication interfacereads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing region provided in a recording medium such as the RAM, the storage device, the DVD-ROM, or the IC card, transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes reception data received from the network in a reception buffer processing region or the like provided on the recording medium.

1212 1224 1226 1227 1214 1214 1212 The CPUmay cause all or a needed portion of the file or database stored in an external recording medium such as a storage device, a DVD-ROM drive(a DVD-ROM), an IC card, or the like to be read to the RAM, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM. The CPUthen writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

1212 1214 1214 1212 1212 Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may be stored in a recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPUmay execute various types of processing on the data read from the RAM, which includes various types of operations, information processing, conditional judging, conditional branch, unconditional branch, search/replace of information, or the like, as described throughout the present disclosure and designated by an instruction sequence of programs, and writes the result back to the RAM. In addition, the CPUmay search for information in a file, a database, or the like in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored in the recording medium, the CPUmay retrieve, out of the plurality of entries, an entry with the attribute value of the first attribute specified that meets a condition, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in this entry, and thereby acquiring the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute satisfying a predetermined condition.

1200 1200 1200 The above-described program or software module may be stored in the computer-readable medium on the computeror near the computer. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as the computer-readable medium, thereby providing the program to the computervia the network.

While the present invention has been described so far by way of the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is apparent to persons skilled in the art that various alterations or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments. It is also apparent from description of the claims that the embodiments to which such alterations or improvements are made may be included in the technical scope of the present invention. The present specification further discloses inventions pertaining to each of the following items.

A calibration information generation apparatus which generates calibration information in an exhaled breath detection apparatus provided in an operator’s cabin of a mobile body, the exhaled breath detection apparatus obtaining detection information, through detection, indicating a concentration of alcohol and a concentration of carbon dioxide contained in exhaled breath, and corrects a detection result of the alcohol based on a calibrated concentration of the carbon dioxide obtained through calibration with the calibration information, wherein the calibration information generation apparatus generates the calibration information for calibrating a concentration of the carbon dioxide, based on the detection information of the carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having recorded thereon a program which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform an operation comprising: generating calibration information for calibrating a concentration of carbon dioxide based on detection information of the carbon dioxide obtained through multiple detections by a component detection unit.

It should be noted that each process of the operations, procedures, steps, stages, and the like performed by the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings can be implemented in any order as long as the order is not specifically and expressly indicated by “before”, “prior to”, or the like and as long as the output from a previous process is not used in a later process. Even if the operation flow is described by using phrases such as "first" or "next" for the sake of convenience in the claims, specification, and drawings, it does not necessarily mean that the process must be performed in this order.